Holder for fishing rod

ABSTRACT

A cantilevered arm, having a pair of longitudinally spaced, opposed C-shaped members attached thereto, has fixed to one end a depending portion and forms therewith a rod support member. A mounting bracket, attached to an upright support, includes at least one plate portion with vertical-slot-forming spacer members interspaced between the plate portion and the upright support. Bolts having flat heads adapted for counter sunk openings extend through the mounting bracket assembly, holding it together as well as attaching it to the upright support. When so attached, the mounting bracket&#39;&#39;s slot receives the rod support member&#39;&#39;s depending portion. The spacer members have a bore therethrough, offset to one side to receive the flat head bolts, which bolts form an axis of rotation around which the spacer members can be rotated. Selective rotation of the spacer members changes the width dimension of the depending portion receiving slot. The depending portion may be connected to the cantilevered arm by a pivot joint having a locking means to selectively lock the two parts at different angles relative each to the other. A clasp means may be associated with the rod holding means to provide additional security against inadvertent displacement of the rod therefrom.

United States Patent [1 1 Holton, Jr.

[11] 3,802,652 14 1 Apr. 9, 1974 HOLDER FOR FISHING ROD [76] Inventor: Charles Ernest Holton, Jr., Rt. 1 Box 53, Jamestown, NC. 27282 [22] Filed: July 24, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 274,576

s2 us. Cl. 248/42, 248/224 51 Int. c1 A0lh 91/10 [58] Field of Search 248/38,40,42,316 D [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 923,596 6/1909 Staples 3,669,390 6/1972 Nielson...

1,970,962 8/1934 Hinckley 243/316 D UX 1,815,353 7/1931 Gerow et al. 248/42 2,462,442 2/1949 Wallace 248/42 2,481,272 9/1949 Williams 248/42 Primary Iiruminer-William H. Schultz Attorney, Agent, or l"irm-Hugh C. Bennett, Jr,

I 5 7} ABSTRACT A cantilevered arm, having a pair of longitudinally spaced, opposed C-shaped members attached thereto, has fixed to one end a depending portion and forms therewith a rod support member. A mounting bracket, attached to an upright support, includes at least one plate portion with vertical-slot-forming spacer members interspaced between the plate portion and the upright support. Bolts having flat heads adapted for counter sunk openings extend through the mounting bracket assembly, holding it together as well as attach ing it to the upright support. When so attached, the mounting bracket's slot receives the rod support'mem bers depending portion. The spacer members have a 1 bore therethrough, offset to one side to receive the flat head bolts, which bolts form an axis of rotation around which the spacer members can be rotated. Selective rotation of the spacer members changes the width dimension of the depending portion receiving slot. The depending portion may be connected to the cantilevered arm by a pivot joint having a locking means to selectively lock the two parts at different angles relative each to the other. A clasp means may be associated with the rod holding means to provide additional security against inadvertent displacement of the rod therefrom.

4 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures HOLDER FOR FISHING ROD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to rod holders and more particularly to improved holders for fishing rods, which holders are contemplated for use on upright supports, such as boats gunwale or the inside of a bridge or piers rail and the like. Supports of the type in question generally have a substantially planar surface to which the rod holder is attached and are in frequent, close contact with fishermen and other persons as they lean thereon or move thereby.

Illustrative of the various known rod holders of the type in question are those disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 2,287,641; 2,301,885; 2,491,008; 3,159,366; and 3,444,643. The known rod holders, however, are not entirely satisfactory in all respects. Many have complicated parts, are difficult to assemble, operate and maintain and, accordingly, are expensive to purchase and use. Some are awkward to use, requiring insertion and removal of the rod from the front end thereof, away from the fisherman, and presenting particular difficulties of removal when a strike has been received on the rod. Although attempts have'be en made to develop a rod holder wherein a rod may be easily inserted and removed, problems still exist with the rod mounted therein becoming inadvertently displaced therefrom. Also, some of the known rod holders have abrasive rod contacting surfaces that nick, chafe and otherwise damage the rod while mounted therein. Finally, a common and more serious deficiency with known rod holders is that most, if not all, have casualty-causing portions thereof projecting away from the surface to which they are mounted, which projections inhibit the fishermans freedom of movement, particularly in the confined quarters of a boat, and frequently cause snags to his clothes and injury to his person.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With the foregoing in mind, the present invention provides an improved apparatus for holding a rod in mounted relationship'with an upright support; which apparatus is comprised of a relatively small number of components and is of a simple, highly compact and durable construction; which may be quickly and easily manufactured, installed, adjusted and, if necessary, repaired; which has a rod holding means providing for easy and quick insertion therein and removal therefrom of a rod by a simple twisting motion; which provides a simple clasp means for securing against inadvertent displacement of a rod therefrom; which apparatus has a protective coating on rod contacting portions thereof to avoid damage to the rod mounted therein; and which has substantially no casualty-causing projections extending from the fisherman-contacting side of the upright support to snag the fisherman s clothing or equipment, to injure his person or to impede his movement particularly when a strike has been received on the rods fishing line and the fisherman is required to manually work his line in order to play and land his fish.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a mounting bracket assembly is attached, preferably, as an accessory to the gunwale of a boat, but may also be used on the personnel-side of a bridge or pier rail, or the like. The bracket could, on the other hand, be built into the upright wall as an integral part thereof; however, in

the preferred embodiment, a separate assembly attached thereto is considered satisfactory for reasons that will become more apparent later. The bracket assembly includes a plate portion, a pair of spacer members, and fastening means which form, when assembled, a slot to receive a rod support member. The rod support member includes a cantilevered arm portion having rod holding means attached thereto and fixed to one end thereof a depending portion, which is received by the mounting brackets slot. The bracket assembly is adapted to form a mounting slot of varying width dimensions, thereby holding the rod support member therein with different degrees of firmness and allowing the rod support member to be canted from one side or the other relative to vertical with the slot adapting thereto.

Included also in a preferred embodiment of the invention is a rod holding means, forming part of the rod support member and comprising a pair of longitudinally spaced, opposed C-shaped members. Upwardly extending lip portions substantially eliminate the possibility of the rods becoming inadvertently displaced therefrom. A clasp means on at least one of the C- shaped members provides, however, additional security against the likelihood of inadvertent displacement of the rod therefrom.

Protective coatings on the rod contacting surfaces of the apparatus prevents damage to the rod when in contact therewith. The rod support member is provided with a pivotal adjustment means in the form of a pivot joint connecting the cantilevered arm with the depending portion to selectively position the cantilevered arm portion'and rod positioned therein relative to horizontal. A locking means, comprising a wing nut and bolt assembly, holds the cantilevered arm portion in the desired position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Other features and advantages of the invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter in the following description of an illustrative embodiment thereof, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rod holding apparatus as contemplated by the present invention, showing said apparatus mounted to the port gunwale of a boat;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mounting bracket portion of the rod holding apparatus, with hidden portions thereof being illustrated in dotted lines;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting bracket portion of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1, illustrating one feature of the present invention permitting alignment of the rod support portion of said apparatus relative to vertical;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are both perspective views of the apparatus, in part, as shown in FIG. 4, illustrating respectively a clasp member in a first, open position and a second, closed position;

FIG. 7 is an exploded, plan view, in part of a hinged joint as contemplated for use in the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of FIG. I, mounted this time to the starboard gunwale of a boat and illustrating therewith the hinged joint of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a transverse section view taken on the line 99 in FIG. 4, with a rod in phantom lines, shown mounted therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The rod holding apparatus 10 show in FIG. 1 includes a rod support member 20, itself supported by a mounting bracket 30. The mounting bracket 30 is attached to a vertical support, which may be the upright wall of a boat, such as the port gunwale 12, for example, and is positioned at or adjacent to the upper horizontal edge 14 thereof. When attached to the gunwale, transon or other upright portion of a boat, the bracket 30 may be permanently secured thereto as an accessory, and, for reasons that will become more obvious later, will not present an impediment to the movement of persons in the boat or otherwise interfere with the boats safe operation when so attached. Other structures, however, such as the upright rail of a bridge or pier are equally suitable for attachment of the bracket 30 thereto, the upright wall portion of a boat being selected merely for purposes of description. A rod holding means provided on the rod support member is adapted to hold a rod R, illustrated by the phantom lines in FIG. 1, and avoids, substantially, the existence of rearwardly protruding members that would interfere with the fishermans movement or endanger his clothing, equipment or person.

The mounting bracket 30 (FIGS. 2 and 3) includes an outer plate portion 32, generally rectangular in shape and having a pair of longitudinally positioned, countersunk openings 38 therein. Fastening means such as, for example, bolts 37, having a flat heat adapted for countersunk openings, extend through the openings 38 and into mating openings (not shown) in the gunwale 12, fastening the plate 32 thereto. Preferably, the openings in the gunwale 12 are tapped to receive the bolts 37 therein; however, a nut and bolt assembly may be employed where tapped holes of the proper dimensions cannot be easily provided. In the example, the plate portion 32 is fabricated from 3/16- inch aluminum alloy stock suitable for marine use and is 2-X4- inches.

Apair of spacer members 34 are sandwiched between the outer plate portion 32 and the gunwale 12, forming a slot 39 therebetween (FIG. 2). Also, an inner plate portion 36 having mating openings 38A therein may be included as part of the mounting bracket 30 to protect the mounting surface from scratches or other damage caused by inserting the rod support member 20 therein and removing it therefrom. The spacer members 34, each have a hole 35, slightly larger than the openings 38 and eccentrically mating therewith (see FIG. 2) to permit passage of a bolt 37 therethrough. Each' bolt 37 forms an axis of rotation around which its respective spacer member 34 can be rotated, and by selective rotation of one or both of the spacer members, the width dimension X (FIG. 2) of the slot 39 may be increased or decreased. In the example, the spacer members are each l5/l6X2 inches, with a A-inch thickness, while the inner plate 36 has dimensions corresponding to the outer plate 32, except for its thickness which is substantially less than that of plate 32.

The rod support member 20 includes a cantilevered arm portion 22 having an outer or loaded end 23 and an inner or unloaded end 24. At the unloaded end 24 is a depending portion 29. In the example, a .2-inch wide strip of 3/16-inch aluminum alloy stock, approximately 12 inches long is bent transversely at a point approximately 4 inches from one end to a angle, forming, thereby, the cantilevered arm portion having a length of approximately 8 inches with the depending portion 29 extending downwardly approximately 4 inches therefrom. The depending portion 29 is inserted into the slot 39 and supported therein with the cantilevered arm portion 22 extending outwardly over the gunwales horizontal edge 14 with substantially no portion of the apparatus extending rearwardly into the boat.

A rod holding means is provided on the cantilevered arm portion 22, and, in the example illustrated herein, consists of a pair of longitudinally spaced, opposed C- shaped members 26, 26A. Each of the members 26-26A are shaped like a ring having a section removed therefrom to leave an opening of sufficient dimensions to accomodate a rod handles diameter. In the example, a 2-inch ring having a section removed therefrom to leave a l1/4-inch opening has proven to be satisfactory. The C-shaped members 26, 26A are secured to the cantilevered arm 22 by any suitable means, such asby welding or the like, and may be secured directly thereto (see FIG. 1) or spaced thereabove by an upstanding lug member 46 (see FIG. 5) thereby permitting the apparatus to accomodate rods of different shapes and designs. Each of the members 26, 26A terminate at the respective opening therein with an overhanging lip portion 27 and immediately thereunder an upstanding lip portion 28 (FIG. 9). When the upstanding lip portion 28 extends through an arc A from vertical of at least 45 (FIG. 9) and the overhanging lip portion 27 extends downwardly through a corresponding arc of approximately 45, inadvertent displacement of the rod therefrom is reduced substantially, while insertion therein and removal therefrom of the rod may still be accomplished easily by a simple twisting action.

A movable retaining means such as clasp member 50 (see FIG. 5 and 6), for example, comprising a tubular sleeve having a curvature corresponding to that of the member 26A and inner dimensions to telescopically fit onto said member 26A, forms a means for closing the opening between lips 27, 28. The clasp member 50 has a first, open position (see FIG. 5) wherein it is slid onto the member 26A and presents no interference to passage of the rod R through the opening defined by the lips 27, 28. For additional security against the inadvertent displacement of a rod from the rod holding means, as heretofore described, such as might be desired when a lone fisherman is tending several rods, the clasp member 50 is telescopically moved to a second, closed position (see FIG. 6), thereby forming with the member 26A a closed ring.

In an alternate embodiment, the rod holding apparatus 10A (FIGS. 7 and.8) is fabricated with a hinged joint 40 interconnecting the cantilevered arm portion 22 with the depending portion 29. Sections of tubing are secured to the above mentioned portions forming thereby the two plates of a hinge'(FIG. 7). With the two plates positioned together in mating, hinged relationship a pin 41 is inserted therethrough with a tip of the pin 41, which has been threaded, extending outwardly a sufficient distance to receive a wingnut 42 thereon. A friction washer 43 is inserted on the pin 41 before the wing nut 42 is threaded thereon, with additional friction washers (not shown) between the interfacing surfaces of the hinge forming tubing for additional locking strength. When aluminum alloy is used for fabrication of the apparatus A as described herein, better results are believed to be realized by constructing the hinged joint 40 slightly wider than the interconnecting cantilevered arm 22 and depending portion 29. In the example, the hinged joint 40 extends approximately onefourth inch beyond each side of the interconnecting portions (see FIG. 7). r

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 illustrates the rod holding apparatus 10 in mounted position on the port gunwale 12 of a boat. As the boat moves forward for trolling, tension on the rods line tends to bias the rod R against the closed sides of the C-shaped members 26, 26A. A rod support member having oppositely facing members 26, 26A would be used on the starboard gunwale (see FIG. 8).

The depending portion 29 slips into the slot 39 formed by assembly of the mounting bracket 30. The thickness dimension of slot 39 is slightly larger than the corresponding dimension of depending portion 29, and with selective spacing of the spacer bar 34, the depending portion 29 will slip into and out of the slot 39 very easily, yet being supported sufficiently therein so that the support member is held securely in position. By partially unscrewing the flat head bolt 37 before inserting the depending portion 29 into the slot 29, the spacer bars 34 can be selectively positioned to securely grip the depending portion 29 upon retightening of the bolts 37. Normally, however, the preferred dimensions for the slot 39 would allow for a snug but slidable fitting of the depending portion 29 therein, whereby the rod support member is quickly inserted and removed as desired.

At times when the boat is moving forward, as when trolling, the bow sometimes has a tendency to become elevated higher than the stern. On such occasions, the rod holding apparatus 10 tilts with the boat gunwale upon which it is mounted and leaves a true vertical attitude which increases the likelihood of a rod becoming inadvertently displaced therefrom. Also, the rod itself is held at an attitude relative to vertical that is not entirely satisfactory. To correct this condition the spacer bars 34 are merely selectively rotated after having loosened the bolts 37, so that the width of the slot 39 is increased. The rod support member 20 is then canted to one side or the other for vertical alignment (see FIG. 4), causing the spacer bars 34 to rotate about their respective bolts 37, thereby forming a slot having width dimensions to suitably support said rod support mem her in its vertically aligned position.

Finally, using the alternate embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the attitude relative to horizontal, of the rod R supported therein can be changed as desired by merely loosening the wing nut 42, positioning the cantilevered arm 22 at the desired position and retightening the wing nut 42 to lock the arm 22 in said position. Accordingly, the height of the rods t-ip can be lowered for or raised for stillfishing as desired.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically shown and described, this was for purposes of illustration only, and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being in accordance with the following claims.

That which is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for holding a rod in mounted relationship with a vertical support, said support having a substantially planar surface thereon and terminating with an upper edge, said apparatus comprising in combination:

a. a mounting bracket attached to the substantially planar surface of said vertical support and positioned adjacent to the upper edge thereof, said mounting bracket being substantially flush with said planar surface and free from casualty-causing projections extending therefrom; and

b. a support member for holding said rod, which support member includes:

i. a cantilevered arm portion;

ii. a pair of opposed C-shaped members longitudinally spaced on said cantilevered arm portion to removably receive one end of said rod with the other end thereof extending outwardly from one end of said cantilevered arm portion;

iii. a movable restraining meansto selectively close and open at least one of said] C-shaped members and prevent, when closed, inadvertent displacement of said rod therefrom; and

iv. a depending portion fixed to the other end of said cantilevered arm portion and removably received by said mounting bracket,

whereby said support member is held in mounted relationship with said vertical support.

2. Apparatus of claim 1, wherein said movable restraining means is a telescoping clasp member.

3. Apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket includes: 7

g a. an outer plate portion being substantially parallel to the substantially planar surface of said vertical support and adjacent to the upper edge thereof:

b. a pair of spacer members having a thickness dimension at least equal to the corresponding thickness dimension of said depending portion, said spacer members being interspaced between said outer plate portion and said vertical support and spaced apart from each other to form with said outer plate portion and the substantially planar surface of said vertical support a vertical slot to removably receive said depending portion; and

c. fastening means to secure said outer plate portion and said spacer members to said vertical support.

4. Apparatus of claim 3, wherein said fastening means are rod shaped members, said outer plate portion has a pair of longitudinally spaced holes therethrough, each of said holes receiving said rod shaped fastening members to fasten said outer plate portion to said vertical support, and each of said spacer members each has a hole therethrough, which hole is larger in diameter than the longitudinally spaced holes in said outer plate portion and eccentric thereto when said spacer members are in assembled relationship with said outer plate portion, each said rod shaped member floatably securing one said spacer member between said outer plate portion and said vertical support and forming an axis of rotation around which its respective spacer member can be rotated, whereby the width dimension of said depending portion-receiving slot is increased and decreased by selectively rotating said spacer members about said axis of rotation before inserting said depending portion therebetween.

* a= a: t: 

1. Apparatus for holding a rod in mounted relationship with a vertical support, said support having a substantially planar surface thereon and terminating with an upper edge, said apparatus comprising in combination: a. a mounting bracket attached to the substantially planar surface of said vertical support and positioned adjacent to the upper edge thereof, said mounting bracket being substantially flush with said planar surface and free from casualty-causing projections extending therefrom; and b. a support member for holding said rod, which support member includes: i. a cantilevered arm portion; ii. a pair of opposed C-shaped members longitudinally spaced on said cantilevered arm portion to removably receive one end of said rod with the other end thereof extending outwardly from one end of said cantilevered arm portion; iii. a movable restraining means to selectively close and open at least one of said C-shaped members and prevent, when closed, inadvertent displacement of said rod therefrom; and iv. a depending portion fixed to the other end of said cantilevered arm portion and removably received by said mounting bracket, whereby said support member is held in mounted relationship with said vertical support.
 2. Apparatus of claim 1, wherein said movable restraining means is a telescoping clasp member.
 3. Apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket includes: a. an outer plate portion being substantially parallel to the substantially planar surface of said vertical support and adjacent to the upper edge thereof: b. a pair of spacer members having a thickness dimension at least equal to the corresponding thickness dimension of said depending portion, said spacer members being interspaced between said outer plate portion and said vertical support and spaced apart from each other to form with said outer plate portion and the substantially planar surface of said vertical support a vertical slot to removably receive said depending portion; and c. fastening means to secure said outer plate portion and said spacer members to said vertical support.
 4. Apparatus of claim 3, wherein said fastening means are rod shaped members, said outer plate portion has a pair of longitudinally spaced holes therethrough, each of said holes receiving said rod shaped fastening members to fasten said outer plate portion to said vertical support, and each of said spacer members each has a hole therethrough, which hole is larger in diameter than the longitudinally spaced holes in said outer plate portion and eccentric thereto when said spacer members are in assembled relationship with said outer plate portion, each said rod shaped member floatably securing one said spacer member between said outer plate portion and said vertical support and forming an axis of rotation around which its respective spacer member can be rotated, whereby the width dimension of said depending portion-receiving slot is increased and decreased by selectively rotating said spacer members about said axis of rotation before inserting said depending portion therebetween. 